Keeping her Monster Paws up!

At only 18 years of age, Montana Efaw is already making a name for herself. Chosen to dance for Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball World Tour, Montana will be heading to the Australian shores early this year. Excited about the tour, Montana spoke with Dance Informa’s Kristy Johnson.

Congratulations on being selected as a dancer for Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball World Tour.
How did this come about?

Back in August or September ’09 there was a big audition held to dance for Lady Gaga at the MTV Video Music Awards. I was fortunate to book that job. It was a highlight moment I’ll never forget. The concept was so amazing, incredible and theatrical and Gaga is the absolute best singer/songwriter and entertainer! I didn’t want the experience to end! So when I got the call from my agent that I was chosen to be booked for the Monster Ball World Tour it was like my dream came true.

For you, what does it mean to be a Lady Gaga dancer?

Oh man! Gaga is such an incredible talent. It is a dream job to dance for her and go full out at every performance for her. Dance and performing is my passion. I’m 100% a Lady Gaga Monster!

Relocating from Portland to Los Angeles, how did you prepare for the move?

For me, the key when making that move to LA is to have a plan! I knew at about 14 or 15 that I wanted to dance/choreograph as a career. So looking back at those years, every step I did brought me closer to that. Although I am 18 years old, I had prepared for the move for several years with training, traveling, working hard and grasping every dance opportunity along the way. I didn’t wait for things to come to me, but I pursued everything! And did I mention training, traveling, training, traveling….lots of that!

Your career to date reads like a dream, what advice would you give to aspiring commercial dancers?

Get into the best studio in your area and train, train, train! In all styles! In this business you have to be able to master several styles of dance. Don’t focus on just hip hop or just jazz. Train the hardest on what you are weakest in. Teach class, get used to working with dancers and setting choreography on them. Find local shows and conventions where you can get stage performing opportunities. Be relentless. And be yourself! Don’t try to imitate another dancer. You can definitely learn from other dancers, but you are what makes you unique. Then when the time is right for you (you have a plan, a place to live, job opportunities, an agent, etc) you make that giant step!

Which choreographers have you been working with for the tour?

Laurieann Gibson! Ahhhhhh…..amazing! I assisted for her for a couple years at a dance convention called The Pulse. Her style is so unique and entertaining and when she teaches class she includes tips and tricks on how to be a better performer. Listen to everything she says – golden advice. If you ever have a chance to take her class, DO NOT miss it! She also has an incredible assistant, Richie Jackson who works with us a lot too – very inspiring! (For information about The Pulse visit www.thepulseontour.com)

With the tour heading down to Australia, what can we expect to see from the show?

Be prepared for the show of your life! Lady Gaga will give you a performance you will be talking about for years to come!

What’s next for you after the conclusion of the tour?

Oh, I really can’t think about that! My job is here and now and I give it 200% of myself. Right now I’ll keep my Monster Paws up!

Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball World Tour is currently touring the US, before heading to the UK. Her first concert in Australia will be March 17th at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Check out www.ladygaga.com for dates and locations.